Heather C. McGhee
Political Commentator | Racial Equity & Economic Justice
About
Heather C. McGhee is a thought leader on the intersection of racial justice and economic policy.
As the former president of Demos, a progressive think tank, she spearheaded research on the role of structural racism in constraining economic opportunity. McGhee's 2016 TED talk on the 'Racial Dividend' has over 5 million views, exposing how racism harms all of society.
Her 2022 book 'The Sum of Us' was a New York Times bestseller, offering a unifying path forward to dismantle racial division. McGhee's keynotes blend incisive analysis, personal storytelling, and a vision for an equitable economy that benefits everyone.
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Why Can't We Have Nice Things?
The modern world feels so divided, and it can seem like unity and understanding are highly unlikely and maybe even impossible. But for Heather McGhee, bridging divides is not only a possibility: it's a necessity that she works to make reality every day. Heather is one of our most brilliant thinkers about economic inequality, from her viral TED talk about racism's economic costs to her NYT bestselling book The Sum of Us, which reveals that racism's true cost doesn't only affect people of color-it impacts everyone. Her latest project, a documentary podcast series produced by the Obamas' Higher Ground and Spotify, offers us rare glimpses of an America where people are coming together across lines of race and winning "nice things" for all of us. Heather will give an actionable road map for how to make a positive impact during one of the most troubled periods in modern history. About SXSW: SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. An essential destination for global professionals, this year’s online event features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, professional development and a variety of networking opportunities. For more information, please visit sxsw.com. Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/user/sxsw?sub_... Connect with SXSW: Website: https://www.sxsw.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SXSWFestival/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/sxsw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sxsw/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/sxsw
| Event | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|
| SXSW | 2023 | 🇺🇸Austin, United States |
| TEDWomen 2019 | 2019 | 🇺🇸Palm Springs, United States |
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